Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1 are 1,3-dihydroxyisopropyl or 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or hydroxyl, are readily water-soluble and of sufficiently low toxicity for use as radiopaque materials in the radiography of body cavities as in urography, angiography, ventriculography, and myelography.